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Role of Heat Treatment on the Tensile Properties and Fractography of Al–1.2Si–2.4Cu and Al–8.0Si–2.4Cu Cast Alloys Modified with Ce, La and Sr Addition

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Abstract

The present research study aims at studying the influence of the additions of Ce and La elements (0.2–1.0%) on room temperature tensile properties of Al–1.2Si–2.4Cu and Al–8.0Si–2.4Cu-alloys, with relatively low and high Si, respectively. The results showed that T6-treated alloys, Sr-modified alloys or those containing Ce/La exhibited UTS values comparable to the solution heat-treated, T5 and T7-treated alloys. The influence of 0.2 wt% RE (Ce/La) on tensile properties is similar to that caused by adding 150 ppm Sr. The strengthening behavior of addition of 0.2%RE is attributed to the size and distribution of RE intermetallics coupled with their low volume fraction. Under these conditions, the alloys act as composite materials. Stabilization at 250 °C for 200 h produces a marked decrease in the alloy strength, with an increase in ductility values. Additions of 0.2 wt% Ce or La marginally improved the strength of the B0 and D0 alloys (10–15 MPa) following 1 h of stabilization at 250 °C. The fracture surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy, whereas the longitudinal sections beneath the fractures surfaces were examined using optical microscopy.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Amal Samuel for enhancing the quality of the artwork used in the present article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Design and Production Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    M. G. Mahmoud

  2. Département des Sciences appliquées, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada

    A. M. Samuel & F. H. Samuel

  3. General Motors Materials Engineering, 823 Joslyn Ave, Pontiac, MI, 48340, USA

    H. W. Doty

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  1. M. G. Mahmoud
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Mahmoud, M.G., Samuel, A.M., Doty, H.W. et al. Role of Heat Treatment on the Tensile Properties and Fractography of Al–1.2Si–2.4Cu and Al–8.0Si–2.4Cu Cast Alloys Modified with Ce, La and Sr Addition. Inter Metalcast 14, 218–242 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40962-019-00350-z

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